Should everyone be punished because of the behavior of a few? Pope County Sheriff Aaron DuVall does not think so. “It is so obvious not everyone who commits a gun-related crime follows the rules prior to unlawful acts committed with a firearm,” he said.

Illegally obtained or modified handguns along with circumventing the background check process are a few of the many concerns with which local sheriffs confront. But is adding new restrictions the answer?

From Washington D.C. to Arkansas, President Barack Obama’s proposed ban on new assault weapons and large-capacity magazines struck a nerve among rural lawmen and lawmakers, many of whom vowed to ignore any restrictions — and even try to stop federal officials from enforcing gun policy in their jurisdictions.

Gun advocates have seen Obama as an enemy despite his expression of support for the interpretation of the Second Amendment as a personal right to have guns. So his call for new measures, including background checks for all gun buyers and Senate confirmation of a director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), triggered new vows of defiance.

At the local level, sheriffs are concerned with how to deal with possible new gun restrictions.

DuVall recently attended the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association (ASA) winter convention where a general consensus was reached on the gun control issue.

“The body of sheriffs accepted a vote relative to this issue,” he said. The resolution was to reiterate support of the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment Rights of Arkansans, and for me, more specifically, Pope County residents.”

DuVall provided a statement, composed by the ASA that stated, “we recognize the recent increase in violence and mass shootings have raised questions relating to the sale and possession of firearms.” The Arkansas Sheriff’s Association further believes that people must hold offenders responsible, not law-abiding citizens.

Furthermore, “the ASA supports enforcement of existing gun laws and the strengthening of current background checks. This would include identifying individuals with mental health issues.”

“The ASA does not support legislation that restricts current gun possession and current gun sales to Arkansans. That measure would weaken everyone’s 2nd Amendment Rights.

“I firmly believe that if someone commits a crime with a firearm, he or she should be punished — not the responsible gun owners. I stand by the statements made by the ASA,” the sheriff added.

The National Sheriff’s Association has supported administration efforts to combat gun violence after the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings. President Larry Amerson, sheriff of Calhoun, Ala., said he understands the frustrations of people in rural areas with the federal government. But he feels his oath of office binds him to uphold all laws.